This Lawsuit Could Stop Millions from Voting on an Anti-Gerrymandering Initiative

Several states are considering anti-gerrymandering measures this November – and the initiative that just made the ballot in Michigan would impact more congressional seats than any other state.

But the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, a dark money group that doesn’t disclose its donors, is backing a lawsuit to stop Michiganders from voting on it.

The People of Michigan vs. Special Interests

425,000 citizens signed petitions for the right to vote on the anti-gerrymandering ballot initiative this November. But it appears the Chamber, led by Chair Mark Davidoff of Deloitte, care more about protecting establishment politicians than protecting democracy.

Before the initiative even qualified for the ballot, the Chamber-backed lawsuit was filed to stop the measure from appearing on the November ballot.

Here’s what we know:

A Chamber PAC that fights ballot measures received more than half of its contributions from Canadian-based energy conglomerate Enbridge.

The Chairman of the Chamber is Mark Davidoff, a Managing Partner at Deloitte, a global financial services firm.

The Chamber-backed legal challenge was rejected by the Michigan Court of Appeals. The Michigan Supreme Court will hear the case next.

How the Anti-Corruption Movement is Fighting Back in Michigan

To stop the attack on voters in Michigan, people all across America are demanding that the Chamber, led by Deloitte’s Managing Partner Mark Davidoff, drop the lawsuit and let the people vote.

Thousands of people have joined the campaign so far, signing an online petition that urges Davidoff to drop the suit.

And more than 22,000 people have seen a video that exposes Davidoff and others who are backing the lawsuit to stop the vote.

Why this Campaign Matters for All Americans – Not Just Michigan Voters

The recent Supreme Court Gill v Whitford decision revealed that the courts aren’t going to stop gerrymandering – which means protecting the voter initiated ballot measures is the only way voters can demand action on gerrymandering.

But if this attack in Michigan is successful in stopping the vote, Michiganders won’t even get the chance to decide for themselves whether to end gerrymandering. It would send the wrong message to special interests and corrupt politicians in all 50 states that they can take away our right to put anti-corruption initiatives to a vote.

About Ellen Moorhouse

As Grassroots Communications Manager for RepresentUs, Ellen works to amplify the voices and stories of local members and chapters that are building dynamic coalitions across the US, combating corruption in their communities, and fighting for a better world for us all.